Life on the Farm

Favorite and I have become urban farmers.

Okay, that makes it sound much more impressive than it is.  We did, however, recently turn this:

Into this:

We’re still working on a few things.  I’ll post more pictures in the near future.

I have to say, I’m pretty proud of us.  Though my parents now live on a what could be defined as a “ranch,” I’ve honestly never really planted a darn thing in my life.  I cringe when I’m given a house plant as a gift, because I know, no matter how foolproof the giver claims that particular type of flower is, or how hard I try to follow the instructions for its care, that plant is just plain doomed.  Plants are allergic to me.  In the plant category, death is to Karyn as gold is to Midas.  And plants in the great outdoors?  Forget it.  Plants in the great outdoors are basically salad for slugs, as far as I’m concerned, and slugs being my kryptonite, I’ve steered pretty darn clear of the whole game.

But this year, we decided that we’re lousy Portlanders if we have a big yard and don’t grow food.  I read some books and got excited about canning and growing and living off the land, and we decided to give it a shot.  Favorite has wanted an edible garden for years, and I like the idea of making pickles or something, so we dove in.  I remain pretty sure I won’t be able to keep anything alive.

But hey – this project started with killing some daffodils, which is right up my alley, so we got off to a swinging start.  With some help from my father-in-law, the good folks at Hope Depot, and the fabulous Dean Innovations, we were able to get some raised beds built and stable and full of good solid compost rich organic soil.  And then brave little me ventured into no man’s land (The Portland Nursery) and picked out some lettuce and spinach and tomato babies and strawberries, brought them home, and plopped them in the ground.  Don’t worry, I tried hard not to touch anything.

I also did some research and found a fantastic, organic, puppy-safe product called Sluggo that has so far kept the little buggers away from my greens.  Hasn’t done much to deter the cats, though.  Shame.

Friends, I’d love to hear your tips and trick when it comes to food growing.  Do you grow things?  What sort of things?  Do they live?  What works/doesn’t work?  Help me pleeeeeeeeeeez…

I’d also love it if you’d remember our sweet little plant starts in your prayers.  They need all the help they can get.  They have to try to survive me.

love.